rusted gas tank

[525i winter driver]

well, i went under the car today because i could smell gasoline in the rear all of a sudden. lookie what i found isn't it pretty?
pretty enough to make a grown man's eyes water i'd say...

do i have a choice between plastic and metal?
looking around on the web is very disheartening - any tips on how to minimize the financial damage involved in replacing a gas tank?

[Ross]

I tried to PM you but the forum requires to wait 30 secs. between private messages and further suggests trying again in 6,698 seconds. Ahh
I like this forum but there are definately some bugs.
Go ahead and phone me.
Ross

[BMWDriver]

I had mine fixed for the same problem for much less than a replacement. Norbert of BM Service Exclusif in Montréal did it for me. I don't think it was much more than 200$, if not less; I forget but I know I have the receipt.

[525i winter driver]

I had mine fixed for the same problem for much less than a replacement. Norbert of BM Service Exclusif in Montréal did it for me. I don't think it was much more than 200$, if not less; I forget but I know I have the receipt.

I was just about to buckle up and take the car to a place that was recommended to me on Industrial Ave that does that - they quoted $350... I called Norbert and I think I'm going to take it to him tomorrow instead - actually he's almost next door to a good mechanic I know (who recommended the other place tho) and I guess they know each other. Nice tip!

I'm kind of worried about having crap in the tank tho. An exterior repair wouldn't fix any corrosion on the inside that could really screw things up. I thought I was having spark problems because of a cranky alternator but now I'm wondering if there's a whole bunch of crud in my fuel tank causing my minor idle issues. I replaced the fuel filter in September and it was dirty but not filthy, if the tank got badly contaminated it's only since then. I guess if the new filter is still clean I could be fairly worry-free right?

Norbert says he'll replace or send for repair as I say... I guess the moment to decide will unfortunately be after he's already dropped the tank.

[Jon K]

I have an extra fuel tank with no to minimal rust if you're interested

[525i winter driver]

I have an extra fuel tank with no to minimal rust if you're interested

Thanks Jon - You're in Pennsylvania? I've never shipped giant used car parts across the border, and I wonder if it's worth the effort for a fuel tank. I imagine it would be a pain for you too. Ross has one in Chicago also - I'm going to try and find out about shipping but I'm thinking it might be way easier for me and only slightly more expensive just to get mine repaired if the inside is ok - and I can get it done faster too. A new one here costs minimum $600 as far as I can find.

[repenttokyo]

I had mine fixed for the same problem for much less than a replacement. Norbert of BM Service Exclusif in Montréal did it for me. I don't think it was much more than 200$, if not less; I forget but I know I have the receipt.

there is a vendor on ebay who can get me a rust free used tank for 80 dollars. Is installation that expensive?

Is BMW Exclusif on St. Denis?

[525i winter driver]

there is a vendor on ebay who can get me a rust free used tank for 80 dollars. Is installation that expensive?

As far as I can tell it's maybe a few hours labour to drop and replace the tank if nothing breaks. apparently the e30s are a giant pain but these are way easier.
are you replacing your tank or was that for my benefit? - is that in Canada? how the heck do you ship something like that?

Is BMW Exclusif on St. Denis?

It's on Rivard near Laurier this is bmwdriver's post http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16371

[repenttokyo]

As far as I can tell it's maybe a few hours labour to drop and replace the tank if nothing breaks. apparently the e30s are a giant pain but these are way easier.
are you replacing your tank or was that for my benefit? - is that in Canada? how the heck do you ship something like that?
It's on Rivard near Laurier this is bmwdriver's post http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16371

no, it's not in Canada. i have all my parts shipped to my Vermont address and then I bring them across myself. I have a similar leak in my tank if I fill it above 60 litres. There is a good e34 vendor on ebay who says it is easy to ship if you cut part of the filler in such a way that makes it easy to re-attach.

[BMWDriver]

I like Norbert. They painted the metal of the rear bumper because it was rusty, when I had my tank fixed (réusiné). Norbert says he had it done on one of his and still has no problems with it after a few years.

Norbert is really attentive to details, and I love him for it.